Greek Parliament Approves Construction of Mosque in Athens

Athens, Greece - The Greek Parliament passed a bill on the construction of a mosque in Athens, the only European capital without a mosque. Two hundred thousand Muslims live in the Greek capital.

Muslims in Athens have been struggling for a mosque in the city for 30 years. When construction of the mosque is completed, Muslims will be able to say good-bye to prayers in ramshackle apartment building prayer rooms.

Greek Education and Religious Affairs Minister Maria Yannaku, who prepared and submitted the bill to the general assembly, said the mosque will be under state supervision.

According to the bill, the mosque will be built in the district of Votanikos in the city center.

The mosque will be constructed on a 42,000 square meter-area with an estimated cost of 15 million euros.

The Greek government, with this step, is thought to be answering criticisms from the European Union that it does not allow sufficient religious freedom in the country.